A rain-shortened contest in Christchurch produced high-octane action as Central Hinds Women held their nerve to secure a seven-wicket victory over Canterbury Magicians in the 7th match of the Women’s Super Smash 2025–26, with Bryony Smith delivering a match-defining performance in a brisk chase.
Canterbury Magicians were asked to set the tone in a five-over-a-side contest, and the innings began under pressure almost immediately. Kate Anderson’s stay at the crease was short-lived, as she fell for a two-ball duck, caught by Kerry-Anne Tomlinson off Rosemary Mair in the very first over. Natalie Cox followed soon after, managing just one run before being bowled by Hannah Rowe, leaving Canterbury searching for stability early.
That stability came through a lively counterattack from Izzy Sharp and Jodie Dean. Sharp, in particular, played with intent, striking 18 off just seven deliveries at a remarkable strike rate of 257.14. She found support in Dean, who complemented her aggression with a clean 20 off 11 balls, including four boundaries. Their partnership injected momentum into the innings and forced Central Hinds to adjust their lines quickly. Sharp’s dismissal, caught by Rosemary Mair off Claudia Green, halted the surge, but Canterbury were far from done.
Captain Lea Tahuhu anchored the latter half of the innings superbly, remaining unbeaten on 15 from seven balls while striking three boundaries at a strike rate above 200. She briefly partnered with Dean before the latter was bowled by Flora Devonshire, and later with Kate Irwin, who was run out without scoring. Melissa Banks added a single before being run out by Rosemary Mair, as Canterbury closed their innings at 69 for 6 after five overs, boosted significantly by 14 extras that included nine wides.
Central Districts’ bowling effort was shared evenly. Rosemary Mair impressed with figures of 1 for 8, Claudia Green claimed 1 for 12, and Flora Devonshire chipped in with 1 for 10, while Hannah Rowe also picked up a wicket despite conceding 17 runs.
Chasing a DLS target of 70 from five overs, Central Hinds Women came out with clear intent. However, the innings began with a setback when Grace Scrivens was dismissed for 2, caught by Kate Anderson off Melissa Banks. Bryony Smith then took control of the chase in emphatic fashion.
Displaying power and precision, Smith smashed 36 off just 12 balls, peppering the boundary with five fours and two sixes in a breathtaking knock that shifted momentum decisively.
Flora Devonshire provided the perfect foil, contributing a rapid unbeaten 24 from seven deliveries, including four boundaries and a six. Together, Smith and Devonshire stitched a decisive partnership that dismantled Canterbury’s bowling plans. Kerry-Anne Tomlinson was run out for one during the acceleration phase, while captain Hannah Rowe added a valuable unbeaten seven off three balls to guide the side home.
Canterbury’s bowlers fought hard in a difficult defence. Melissa Banks and Kate Anderson picked up one wicket apiece, while Lea Tahuhu, Sarah Asmussen, and Gabby Sullivan tried to stem the flow despite the short format offering little margin for error.
Central Hinds reached 72 for 3 in just 4.2 overs, sealing the match with four balls to spare. Bryony Smith was deservedly named Player of the Match for her explosive 36, a knock that stood out as the defining moment of this Women’s Super Smash encounter.
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